Stephen Triffitt has arguably become the world's best Frank Sinatra tribute act. He told SIBA MATTI about paying homage to his hero with a new show that swings into the Beck on Sunday

PICTURE the scene: It is 1966 and Frank Sinatra is all set to swing at The Sands hotel, Las Vegas, in what was destined to be one of his most iconic shows.

Fast forward more than 30 years and fans have another chance to see Ol' Blue Eyes in action - well, the next best thing - courtesy of tribute artist, Stephen Triffitt.

The performer has captured the essence of Sinatra after spending hours studying his voice, moves and looks, earning him a reputation as the ultimate Frank Sinatra impersonator.

It all started with a karaoke night in Tenerife where

Stephen, who now lives in Windsor, was selling timeshare properties.

He says: "I got very drunk one evening and sang New

York, New York, and everyone said I sounded just like Frank.

"A few years later I returned to the UK and became a house husband by day while performing covers of Frank, Billy Joel and Elton John by night, mainly just to get a bit of beer money as my (now ex) wife was earning more than me."

Stephen's version of Sinatra proved to be so popular it led to him auditioning for ITV's Stars in Their Eyes, and despite losing out to 'Freddie Mercury' in the final, it wasn't long before the phone started ringing with offers of work.

After five years playing the big man in the West End run of The Rat Pack Live From Las Vegas, he went on to perform sell-out shows at London's prestigious Palladium and Royal Festival Hall.

The father of three said: "The Royal Festival Hall was one of the best things I have ever done but I can't remember anything about it!

"It was mind-blowing that so many people had come to see me but everyone says it was a fantastic show."

After successfully touring the globe as Sinatra, including a seven-week stint at The Sands itself, Stephen has hit the road with a new show, Sinatra's Live at The Sands Concert, based on a time when the legendary singer had the world at his feet.

Stephen explains: "In the first half of the show I perform as myself, singing Sinatra songs with the big band playing arrangements by Quincy Jones - it gives me an opportunity to tell the audience about my journey.

"In the second act, I play Frank at The Sands, in what is an homage rather than a tribute.

"It's not just about the singing. I try to copy every gesture, movement and even put on a New Jersey accent.

"Performing at The Sands was extremely nerve-wracking, but it will always stay in my memory.

"One of my proudest moments is when Frank's daughter, Tina, came backstage and shook my hand.

"She said: 'Hello, I'm your daughter!' That's where I decided this is what I'm going to do for the rest of my life."

 * Sinatra's Live at The Sands starts at 7.30pm and tickets cost £17 and £19. Call 020 8561 8371 or visit www.becktheatre.org.uk  to book.